Study of Vision Problems in Schools in Libreville and Owendo, Gabon

The purpose of this work is to evaluate the epidemiological aspects of vision problems and their repercussions in the schooling of children in Libreville and Owendo. Methodology: This transversal and descriptive study was carried out in May and June 2011. Included in the study were children in the 7th and 8th grades of the primary schools in Libreville and Owendo. For each child, an eye exam, including the subjective measure of visual acuity, was carried out using the Monoyer scale, and the color vision assessment was carried out with the Ishihara test. Any visual capacity under or equal to 7/10th in at least one eye was considered to be pathological. We gathered information about demographic characteristics, any preceding vision issues on the record, data on other med- ical problems on the record and the eye examination on computer cards. Results: Nine hundred and sixty-three children (416 boys and 517 girls, with a gender ratio of 0.86) were examined. The average age was 12 ± 1.7 years old. The prevalence of the drop in visual acuity was 16.2%. The prevalence of color vision anomalies was 15.5%. Complaints concerning vision problems were significantly more present from children with a drop in visual acuity (p < 0.01). Visual anomalies had an impact on the children's schoolwork, and yet, visits to the ophthalmologist's office were few. Conclusion: The frequency of anomalies in vision justifies systematic screening in schools and organization of an appropriate treatment.